Ahmad Zaki backs out of film portraying the life of Abdul Halim Hafiz

Negotiations with Ahmad Zaki's over the new film "Al Andalib" that tackles the life of the late Egyptian icon Abdul Halim Hafez came to a dead-end stopping the production of the film

The Egyptian Production Company has just signed a contract with director Mohammad Abdul Aziz and screenwriter Ahmad Salih for a new film "Thaman Al Sukout" (The Price of Silence). A second contract with screenwriter Raouf Tawfiq for the film "Al Said Yetkalam" (The Man is Talking), which a director has not been selected for as of today. Both films are to star a number of young actors and shooting will take place in the near future.

Both contracts came at the same time negotiations with Ahmad Zaki's over the new film "Al Andalib" that tackles the life of the late Egyptian icon Abdul Halim Hafez came to a dead-end, the Egyptian daily Akhbar Al Youm reported. One of the main reasons the film came to a halt is that production was delayed one too many time and simply the actor gave up.

Mamdouh Al Laithy, president of the Production Company, said that the reason behind the film not being implemented is not only due to delay, but to a number of reasons one of which is the fact that the scenario has not been complete as of today. In addition to Abdul Halim's heirs want a large sum of money from any company that intends on producing the film. In addition Ahmad had refused to take part in the production unless he was paid a certain amount for his wages, a price being extremely high, and his refusal to act out a number of scenes that revolve around different instances of the late singer's life.

On a different note, the 26th Cairo Film Festival awarded the 'Best Actor' award to Ahmed Zaki for his role in the movie "Ma'ali Al Wazir" (His Excellency, the Minister), directed by Samir Saif. Zaki received a standing ovation by the audience as the president of the festival, Sherief Al Shobashi, awarded the star his prize.

For his part, Zaki thanked the festival and the audience, expressing his gratitude for the award, being the second such honor for the actor– the first being at the 19th Cartage Film Festival.

Earlier last September, Zaki called on all the Arab stars to play a more positive role in expressing their opinion toward the political events that are taking place worldwide. "Why don't we all agree on producing a movie that tackles the Palestinian issue," said Zaki, who showed willingness to take part in such movies even if his participation would be limited to one scene only. - Albawaba.com